Sesame Prawn Toast

Most of the Chinese starters are crispy, deep- fried, delicious, aromatic and very very tasty. Actually, you start a Chinese meal on a real high note. Chicken lollipop, wontons, spring rolls, crispy fried corn/ vegetables are some of the favourite starters frequently ordered by customers. Most of the starters are accompanied by a dip or sauce and are quite filling. In fact many times we have had just starters and a soup- in the place of a full meal.

In Chennai, we have this amazing old Chinese restaurant which never ever fails us in terms of quality and taste. It’s one of the few places you can have a drink along with your food and have a good relaxed meal – the pork ribs and the chicken lollipop are to die for and it’s a standard order when we visit Harrisons. Having studied in Chennai, this place has been a favourite of mine for the last so, so many years. There is a buzz all around, food is tasty and if you look around, all are having a good time – happy, smiling faces.

This starter- sesame prawn toast is what I learnt when I was around 15 years old and I have made this umpteen times – it’s never failed to impress – family or friends. It’s simple, quick, crispy, easy and above all very tasty. Try it and let me know.

Happy to be sharing this very, very old favourite recipe of mine-

Ingredients:

Bread -6 slices

White sesame seeds -3 tbsp

For the Prawn paste :

Prawns minced -1/2 kg

Egg –

Green chillies -6-8 minced

Spring onions- 2 tbsb chopped

Ginger-2 tsp chopped

Soya sauce-1/2 tbsp

Salt, pepper and ajinimotto- a pinch

Flour -1 tbsp

Oil to fry

Method:

Toast or dry the bread in an oven or microwave or even on a tava thoroughly. This is to make the prawn toast more crispy.

Mince the prawns and keep aside.

Take all the other ingredients in the food processor and blend for a couple of seconds.

Add the minced prawns and mix well. Do not blend further.

Spread prawn paste thickly on one side of the bread. Sprinkle sesame seeds.

Heat oil, deep fry the bread pieces, paste side down for 2 minutes.

Turn over and fry till golden brown. Drain on a tissue.

Sprinkle chopped spring onion and serve hot.

Chefstips:

Use a day old bread for best results.

Once the bread is dried or toasted, before you spread the prawn paste- cut each slice of bread into 2 diagonally or 4 small squares with the help of a kitchen scissors.

In the place of flour, you could add cornflour.

The toast has to be deep fried and not shallow fried.

Before frying, see that the oil is hot.

You could substitute minced prawns with minced chicken/minced sausage.